Day 6 Christchurch (Lyttelton), South Island, NZ

Condensed Version:

 Today we enjoyed the “Discover Christchurch” tour, keen to see how the city has evolved since the devastating 2011 earthquakes. After a brief customs delay, we set off by double-decker bus through the tunnel to Takahe Lookout, where we enjoyed sweeping views over Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains and the ocean, although Mt Cook was hidden by cloud.

We then strolled through the beautiful Mona Vale Gardens before heading into the city centre to see Christchurch’s main highlights, striking street murals and areas shaped by the earthquakes, learning about the city’s impressive rebuild and returning residents. On the way back we stopped at Sumner Beach to see Cave Rock, then travelled the dramatic Summit Road with spectacular views over Lyttelton Harbour. Back on board by 1.30, we enjoyed lunch before retreating to our suite for a well-earned afternoon nap.

Full Version:

Today we are docked at Lyttelton that we are told is a suburb of Christchurch.  I haven't confirmed this yet, but it is a lovely town with a deep water harbour for ships to berth.

Our tour today was "Discover Christchurch".  We were interested to explore Christchurch following the devastating 2011 earthquakes so this was the perfect tour.  There was a slight delay of around an hour this morning before our ship was cleared by customs and passengers were allowed to leave the ship for our tours.  

A double-decker bus was waiting for us pier side and we sat back and enjoyed the scenic drive, through the tunnel, to our first stop at Takahe Lookout.  From here we had stunning views over Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains, ocean and distant Southern Alps where the highest mountain in New Zealand, Mt Cook, is situated.  Unfortunately we didn't get a good view of the mountain that was shrouded in cloud.

From the lookout it was on to Mona Vale Gardens where we strolled through the lovely gardens where there were lots of photo opportunities.

Next, we headed into the city centre where our tour guide pointed out the city's main highlights.  We visited all the must-see central city sights whilst enjoying some of the street murals and areas affected by the Canterbury earthquakes.  We learned about the exciting rebuild that is now taking place in Christchurch and about the many people who departed the city and who have now returned.

The morning had moved along very quickly and it was now time to return to our ship via the ocean road.  We stopped at Sumner Beach to have a Quick Look at Cave Rock and then back on the bus to drive down the extremely steep and windy Summit Road with truly spectacular views over the harbour and waterways around Lyttelton.

It was around 1.30 when we again boarded our ship and after a hearty meal of tuna salad sandwich followed by an Eton mess, returned to our suite for an afternoon nap.

Day 5 Picton, South Island, NZ

SHORTENED VERSION

The forecast promised showers, but Picton surprised us with sunshine ☀️ We cruised quietly through Queen Charlotte Sound on a catamaran, rugged up against the wind and soaking in the stunning bays, wildlife, and those secluded homes only reachable by boat. A wander around Picton, a long lunch back on the ship, and dinner with old cruise friends made it a perfect day. 💙

The longer version.

The weather forecast predicted showers today but we were treated with a beautiful sunshine day - for the most part.  Our tour is Queen Charlotte Sound Catamaran Cruise and we boarded the shuttle bus around 9am for the short journey to our waiting Catamaran.  

The catamaran silently made its way out of the harbour and into the pristine natural beauty of the sound.  We decided to sit upstairs, in the open to get a better look and feel and we weren't disappointed although we had to don our windproof jackets as the wind picked up.  

Our first stop was at Double Cove where the boat crew fed the "pet fish" that were mostly blue cod and mullet.  There was also a sneaky paradise duck that made an appearance.  

Next we made our way into another cove that had a lot of magnificent hillside homes.  It is secluded and the only way in and out is by boat.  We passed a boat shed that was leaning at an angle and the captain explained that this was a reminder of what happened a few years ago in a large rain event that saw houses slip.

We then journeyed further into the sound where the captain pointed out the one and only waterfall.  Try and spot it in this photo……

There is one sheep farm that we pass but the country is not really suitable for farming.  However, full marks for the farmer giving it a go.

We are now slowly making our way back to the harbour after our two hour cruise.  It was leisurely and probably just the thing needed for me and my dicky knee.  Once we disembarked the catamaran we decided to take the shuttle back to the ship as we wanted to roam the streets of Picton.  It is a gorgeous town with a population of around 4,000.  The townsfolk welcome us with happy faces and cheerful words that is wonderful to see.

Back on board the ship and time for a delicious three course lunch and a rest this afternoon before we head to dinner with friends from our previous cruise.  

Day 4 Wellington, North Island, NZ

Condensed Version:

We arrived in windy Wellington, and it certainly lived up to its name. Although the temperature was officially 17 degrees, the wind chill made it feel much colder, but it didn’t matter too much as most of our Storm Coast tour was spent on the coach.

We set off at 9.45, driving around Wellington Bay through Petone and Hidden Lakes to Pencarrow Station, passing the twin lighthouses at the bay’s entrance. Our skilled driver negotiated the steep climb to the homestead, where we were welcomed by our host, John, his partner and their young daughter. After a lovely morning tea, John gave a talk followed by an entertaining sheep dog muster and shearing demonstration.

We returned to the ship around 2pm. With intermittent showers in Wellington, we skipped the shuttle into town and opted instead for a warm, cosy afternoon on board. A late lunch left us too full for dinner, and an acupuncture appointment in the early evening rounded out a very relaxed day. 

Full Version.

We have arrived at windy Wellington and it really lived up to its name today.  The official temperature said 17 degrees but with the wind chill factor it was about 10 degrees.  However, it didn't worry us too much as most of our tour today - The Storm Coast, was sitting inside a bus coach.

It was 9.45 when we were all finally aboard our bus, one of three, and set off around the still waters of Wellington Bay towards our destination, Pincarrow Station.  It takes over an hour to drive the storm coast and we pass through the small township of Petone and Hidden Lakes.  We come to a hill at the entrance to Wellington Bay where two lighthouses are situated.  It is not far from here that we come to Pincarrow Station.

Our bus drivers do a brilliant job of negotiating the steep climb up the hill to the main homestead where we are met by our Host, John and his partner and cute little daughter.  We are directed towards the restaurant where a delicious morning tea awaits us.  John gives a small talk while we are eating and once we are finished we are asked to head outside for a sheep dog muster display and also a shearing demonstration by John.

It is a great morning and one we are all too familiar with.  At around 12.30 our buses arrive to collect us and to take us back around the bay to our waiting ship.  We had intentions to take the shuttle into the town area but intermittent showers are crossing Wellington so we decide unanimously to head back on board our warm and cosy ship to have a bite of lunch and vegetate for the rest of the day.  

No dinner for us as lunch wasn't until 2pm and we have very full bellies.  I have another acupuncture appointment at 5.30 and that will make me feel very relaxed and drowsy.

Day 3 at Sea

Condensed version:

We slept exceptionally well, not waking until 7.30, helped by the dark, quiet cabin. A sizeable ocean swell became obvious once we reached the pool deck and saw the water sloshing side to side. Silver Moon feels wonderfully festive with its Christmas decorations and gingerbread displays.

We enjoyed breakfast in Atlantide, lunch at La Terrazzo and, on formal night, dinner at the Hot Rock Grill. In between we attended a future destinations lecture and I had the first of three acupuncture treatments on my knee, which already feels improved. Pre-dinner drinks in the Panorama Lounge led to meeting a lovely American couple, Tom and Vicky, who joined us for dinner. The evening ended in the Venetian Lounge for introductions by the captain and crew before we finally turned in close to 11pm.

We had the best sleep last night, not waking until 7.30.  The room is dark and quiet so it's little wonder we slept so well.  We woke to a rather large ocean swell that had us rocking from side to side.  It wasn't until we walked up stairs to the pool area and saw the water swishing from side to side that we realised it was actually quite a large swell!

Silver Moon really feels like Christmas with all the beautiful decorations and check out the gingerbread houses display.

Breakfast was in the main restaurant, Atlantide, buffet lunch in La Terrazzo and as it is formal night we had dinner reservations at the Hot Rock Grill.  

 In between that we went to the future destinations lecture and I had the first of three one hour acupuncture treatments on my knee.  My acupuncturist strapped my knee afterwards and I feel already that there is an improvement.

At pre-dinner drinks, sitting at the bar, in Panorama Lounge we met a lovely couple from the USA.  Their names are Tom and Vicky and we ended up having dinner with them as they also had dinner reservations, for the same time, at the Hot Rock Grill.  It was a lovely night full of meaningful conversation that went right up until showtime at the Venetian Lounge.  

The captain and crew welcomed us into the lounge and then, when we were all seated, introduced themselves one by one up on the stage.  The Venetian Lounge is the smallest theatre we have ever known but the whole ship is one of small intimate spaces rather than large and noisy.  It makes for a nice change.

We didn't stay for the show but it was still almost 11pm when we finally crawled into bed.  You have to love the "turn down service" that is provided each night.  Tonight we had a box of Pierre Marcolini Chocolates waiting for us.  I reckon they are probably the best chocolates I have ever eaten.  Shame there was only four in the box!

On the bedside table all our cords are tidied and even my glasses are laid beside the bed with a cleaning cloth.  It's the little touches that count…..

Day 2 Tauranga, North Island, NZ

Abridged version of todays blog:

After a restless night in a different bed, we were up early for coffee before heading to La Terrazza for a buffet breakfast. Before our 9.30am Maori Experience tour, we were unexpectedly asked to meet New Zealand Customs again, despite having already done so when boarding the ship.

Tauranga, the sunny gateway to the Bay of Plenty, greeted us with views of sweeping beaches and fertile farmland dotted with kiwifruit, citrus and avocado orchards. Rain was falling heavily when we arrived at the Maori Cultural Centre, where we were formally welcomed and learned about Maori culture inside a beautifully carved meeting house.

After refreshments, young Maori warriors delivered a powerful and entertaining performance of traditional dances, ending with a dramatic haka. We then returned to the ship via a scenic route, arriving mid-afternoon and enjoying a late lunch by the pool. Skipping dinner, we finished the day with canapés and gin and tonics as Silver Moon departed Tauranga, watching the tugs guide us through the narrow channel before an early night.

The longer version.

After a somewhat restless night in a different bed, we were awake by 6.00 for our morning coffee.  The machine takes coffee pods and I'm not in love with the coffee but beggars can't be choosers.  It was then off to breakfast at La Terrazza for a buffet breakfast.  

Our tour today is a Maori Experience that departs at 9.30 but prior to leaving we are asked to have a face to face meeting with New Zealand Customs officials.  We explained that we had already done this when we boarded the ship, but apparently nothing was recorded!

Tauranga is New Zealand's sunny capital with wide sweeping beaches and surfers curling across cresting waves.  Tauranga is also the entry point to the Bay of Plenty.  As we head towards the Maori Cultural Centre we pass by the hanging Kiwi Fruit farms as well as citrus and avocado farms.

It takes us around 30 minutes to arrive at our destination and by this time the rain is tumbling down.  When the other buses arrive we all huddle under a small shelter where we stand with women to the front and men to the back.  We are welcomed by one of the Maori warriors, who looked more threatening than welcoming, and then led to the meeting room.  We are asked to take off our shoes before we enter this building  that is full of beautiful hand carved artwork.

For the next hour or so we are told about the Maori Culture and then invited to ask questions.  It was all very interesting but I found myself losing attention at times.  That is typical of me who would rather read  than listen.  There is no photography allowed inside or outside of this building.

After the talk we are taken to the large dining room for refreshments.  There are three stands selling Maori trinkets but nothing that grabs my eye.  It doesn't take long before young Maori warriors, both male and female, take the stage for a brilliant and entertaining performance of some of the traditional dances.  Of course we finished with the Haka.  This is the Maori war dance that can be quite terrifying to watch with all the feet stamping, thigh slapping and "big eyes".

It was a great performance and afterwards the warriors go outside where we are invited to join them for photographs.  The views from here, over the bay, are fabulous.

It's time, once again, to board the bus for our return trip to our ship.  Our bus driver takes us a different route where we have some truly spectacular views from the bus and lookout.

We arrived back at the ship around 1.45 and by this stage I was starving!  So straight to the pool deck grill for shared fried camembert with dipping sauces followed by a tuna salad sandwich for me and salmon wrap for Philip.  As it was such a late lunch we skipped dinner last night and got the butler to bring us canapés washed down with Gin and Tonics.  

Silver Moon departed Tauranga at 7.45pm and we watched as the tugs manoeuvred us into our departure position through the narrow channel.  Quite fascinating.  We were in bed by 8.30!

Day 1 Brisbane to Auckland

For those who have little time to read the long version of todays blog, I have condensed it with the help of ChatGPT

After a week in Brisbane with Kathy and Marc, we flew to Auckland to join Silver Moon. An early Blacklane transfer and smooth flight were followed by long delays, slow baggage collection, and heavy traffic, leaving us to arrive at the pier just before departure, much to the relief of the waiting Silversea staff after a transfer mix-up.

Once onboard, hunger quickly took priority after a very long day. Our butler Ian provided welcome canapés, and we ended the evening relaxed at the pool grill with pizza and wine—the perfect finish after a stressful journey.

After spending a week in Brisbane with Kathy and Marc it was time to board our plane bound for Auckland where we would meet our Silversea Ship, Silver Moon.

Our Blacklane limousine arrived right on time at 5.00am Tuesday morning for the half hour drive to the Brisbane International Airport. With the help of our E Passsport it was a quick transit through customs and immigration and into Qantas Club for a coffee and toast.  Our flight was due to depart at 8.30 with boarding at 7.45a.m.  We made our way towards Gate 77 and could see our plane waiting patiently for us on the tarmac.  We watched the two pilots board the plane and thought to ourselves that it would not be long until we were called to board.  At 8.00am the announcement was made that the crew for our flight had been delayed on their flight from Auckland and we could expect to be boarding shortly.  In fact we didn't commence boarding until 9.00am and didn't hit the airway until 9.30, an hour behind schedule!

Our flight was smooth but we didn't touch down in Auckland until 2.30 and it took us another hour to get through customs and immigration after baggage collection that took forever.  Fortunately the  Blacklane driver that was included with our Silversea fare, was there to greet us and lead us to his waiting vehicle.  

No sooner had we left the airport when we hit extremely busy traffic on the freeway.  This was painfully slow bumper to bumper traffic, that was standing still in places.  I was anxiously watching my watch as I knew the ships departure time was 7.00pm with check-in closing much earlier.  It was almost 5.00pm when we finally reached the pier and all the check-in staff were packing up in readiness for departure.  When we gave them our names they replied "We have been looking everywhere for you".  Apparently phones don't work in New Zealand.

We found out afterwards that there was a bus waiting for us at Auckland Airport, along with nine other passengers.  Somewhere along the line our name was added to the bus manifest even though we were supplied with vouchers for a Blacklane transfer. Someone at Silversea slipped up.

Food was high on our priority list once we boarded the ship.  We had only been provided with breakfast on our flight and along with the one piece of toast that we had in Qantas Club, it was not a lot to fill our bellies. However our butler, Ian, came to the rescue with canapés to help sustain us until we could unpack our suitcase and head to dinner.  It was too much of an effort to shower and change and head to one of the speciality restaurants so we wandered upstairs to the pool grill and ordered pizza and wine.  It was the perfect end to a stressful day!

PS.  Silver Moon is a beautiful ship.  She was only launched in 2021 so she is still relatively new. I believe there are only 500 guests on board so we are not crowded. Our suite is small, like we expected, but it is well laid out with a great bathroom with both shower and tub.